Free Software Group

GNU/Linux Users ~ Sydenham GLU

Free Software advocacy and support : FreeNix!

Why GLU

GNU/Linux Users teaches computer users the methods and benefits of Free Software, with structured ICT training for newcomers ('newbies'). GLU is a
GNU/Linux&reg User Group, clear about the roles of the
Free Software Foundation's GNU Project and
General Public License, and of public domain software, in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) environments and in free computer communications' longevity. We are dedicated to new user support.

In challenging times, an ahistorical enthusiasm for just the Linux&reg and OSS brands leaves all FOSS alternatives - including these two - more isolated and vulnerable in the computer marketplace than they deserve to be. GLU's rationale is to build the BSD/GNU/LNX/OSS user base as quickly, widely, and deeply as possible, so to help guarantee free computing's future.

Computer training with basic programming skill is required to start leaving the risks of "Windows" consumption behind. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education is the core task undertaken by GLU - cementing the knowledge of free and secure computing.

Here in Canterbury, New Zealand, there is
poor recognition of GNU/Linux GNU provenance, as within the "Linux Users Group" CLUG. This is consistent with both the low GNU/Linux takeup in NZ compared to Asia and the rest of the world, and life in what is known as a conservative and somewhat random backwater. It leaves Net users disempowered by anti-'hacker' propaganda, in the interests of the world's greatest software monopoly. In truth, crackers form the online criminal risk, best thwarted by hackers skilled with Unix-like systems.* But no-one has been teaching these traditions.

Work is needed to dispel the myths and stereotypes about hacker culture, and start expanding it for free Internetwork longevity. The commercial dominant has mass media support for proprietising 'the Internet channel' - in the name of post-9/11 consumer security from 'hacking' - but can be publically restrained. Government does nothing to limit loss of freedom, without public pressure. A more proactive, service orientation will help legitimate free software and computing diversity immensely. GLU's role is to accelerate technical innovation, aqap. To achieve this locally, globally, and strongly, the most liberal webmesh is propagated, as GLU.

What GLU

GLU is a free open-source acronym, released gratis & licensed
GFDL**.
You may adopt and apply GLU as you see fit, in basic agreement with citing this page. Most importantly, we hope you will identify with GLU. There are no active or endorsement criteria beyond common use of the term. It is essential to be honest, and explain that LINUX&reg is the hardware i/o kernel most often distributed with the GNU computer operating system, alongside BSD elements. The term "Linux operating system" is abbreviation at best, but - too often - harmfully misleading mystification.

GLU is thus needed to decrypt 'the geek code'. We reject the brand name LINUX&reg in reference to GNU/Linux&reg , and explain the meaning of "Linux Users" thus: Users using 'Linux' to Use GNU; i.e. discreditably. That is, as difficult as this - like the whole *nix culture - is to deal with, it must be said: a 'Linux-User' is less than honest and a self-interested GNU User. To patch this bug, GLU promote use of GNU/Linux at every opportunity, and "GNU/Linux User" as Linux-Users' more conscienced descriptor. We clarify BSD/GNU/LNX/OSS provenance in doing BSD education too. Welcome.

Where GLU

GLU are everywhere - GLU is geographically non-specific.

BSD-GNU/Linux Users are the bridge between the Unix-like servers linking the Internet and hosting the World Wide Web, and home users faced by increasing security and privacy compromise on "Windows" PC platforms. B-GLU is needed to defend and advance the quality of ICT
experience and information flow, for the information age. B-GLU - bonding the Net!

When GLU - events:

Sydenham GLU Free Software Group 7.30-9.30pm, first Wednesday of each month, February to December, at the
South Learning Centre, (rear door) South Christchurch Library, 66 Colombo Street, Cashmere - 2017: 1 February (attendance: 2), 1 March (1), 5 April (3), 3 May (5), 7 June (2), 5 July (2), 2 August (3)***, 6 (4)*** + 16 September (7)***, 4 October (5)***, 1 November (4), 6 December.